Here is a recap of what’s happened this week in As The Santana Turns.
On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that the Twins had lessened their demands with the Yankees and asked for Jeffery Marquez instead of Ian Kennedy.
The Yankees’ go-slow approach stems from their ambivalence over whether they want to keep Phil Hughes and a younger pitching prospect, Jeffrey Marquez, or have Santana pitch at the head of their rotation.
At one point, the Twins were said to be holding out for Hughes and Ian Kennedy, another of the Yankees’ attractive triumvirate of major league-ready young pitchers (the untouchable Joba Chamberlain being the third), but the Yankees wouldn’t give up both, so the Twins asked instead for Marquez, a 23-year-old right-hander.
Later Wednesday night, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported that the Twins had talked to Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox before the holidays. Also in their discussions with the Yankees, Kei Igawa’s name had come up.
The Twins checked in with the Red Sox, Yankees and Mets just before everyone split for the holidays but nothing major appears to be heating up.
Yes, you just read the word Mets. Indications are that the Mets remain a viable destination for ace Johan Santana, and that the Twins like enough of their players that a deal could be worked out without shortstop Jose Reyes being part of the package.
Outfield prospects Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez have been mentioned in other reports as possible targets. Pitchers Mike Pelfrey, Kevin Mulvey and Phil Humber are considered good prospects but it’s unclear how much the Twins like them. And, it’s unknown if there are any established players the Mets are willing to part with (Reyes and David Wright seem untouchable).
Also heard that, in some trade scenarios discussed with the Yankees, that lefthander Kei Igawa’s name has popped up. Igawa, 28, was 2-3 with a 6.25 ERA last season. There’s a belief that he needs to get out of New York to establish himself. And, of course, Twins pitching coach Rick Anderson isn’t afraid of such a project. It’s still believed that Phillip Hughes and Melky Cabrera would lead any package from the Yankees.
Yesterday, Jayson Stark from ESPN reported that the Twins are willing to hold onto Santana into spring training while they try to get the players they want for him.
The Twins are now telling other teams that they may hold Santana until spring training to get the package they want. But it’s also possible at some point that Santana and his agents may step in and say that if a deal isn’t completed sooner, he may no longer be willing to waive his no-trade clause.
Lastly, today the New York Post reported that the Red Sox are still the frontrunners for to land the services of Santana.
JOHAN Santana remains available. The New York teams remain interested. Yet, according to multiple executives spoken to yesterday, the Red Sox remain the strong favorite to obtain the star lefty if – and probably more likely, when – he is traded in the new year. The Yankees, if anything, have become more entrenched in their unwillingness to pay the price both in prospects (notably Phil Hughes) and dollars (an extension in the six-year, $130 million range). Since the Winter Meetings concluded, the Yanks have not seriously discussed players with the Twins.
What does all of this mean? Absolutely nothing as we have already heard most of this. One day the Red Sox are in the lead then the Yankees.
So why did I share this with you? To keep you informed of what’s going on in As The Santana Turns.
